Cabrillo Whale Watch Festival

You are invited to the 25th Annual Whale Watch and Intertidal Life Festival at Cabrillo National Monument on January 7-8, 2012, from 10:00AM to 4:30PM.

Created in 1913, Cabrillo National Monument has served visitors and preserved nature and history for over 98 years. This educational, family-oriented event celebrates the return of the Pacific gray whales to Point Loma as part of their annual, round-trip migration from Baja California, Mexico to Alaska and the intertidal life found in the tidepool area on the monument’s western shore. Said Workman, “this is a fantastic opportunity for families and visitors of all ages to see and learn about gray whales and other marine mammals, as well as the fascinating and sensitive intertidal area.” Each year, an estimated 20,000 gray whales in the Eastern Pacific herd return from Alaskan feeding waters to warm, shallow lagoons in Baja California to give birth and find mates, making their 12,000 roundtrip migration the longest of any mammal in the world. The tidepools of Cabrillo NM are among the best examples of intertidal habitat on the Southern California coast.

This exciting weekend will feature guest speakers who will share their expertise on gray whales and other cetaceans and intertidal habitat and ecology, films, and activities for children. Exhibitors will provide activities and information about whales, tidepools and their organizations both days in the visitor center breezeway and “View Building” from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Park rangers, Volunteers-In- Parks (VIPs), and volunteers from the San Diego Natural History Museum will assist visitors in spotting whales and exploring the monument’s tidepool area. The best locations to watch for whales are on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, so bring binoculars and dress warmly.

All events are included with the regular park entrance fee of $5.00 per vehicle and $3.00 for motorcyclists, bicyclists and walk-ins (valid for 7 days from date of purchase).

Cabrillo National Monument is located on Point Loma at the south end of Catalina Boulevard. Open daily from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM.

View event press release.